Methods and Compositions Particularly for Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder

ABSTRACT

There is described, inter alia, a coated bead comprising: (a) a granule; (b) a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising a first amount of an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant; and (c) a second layer coated over the first layer, the second layer being present in an amount sufficient to substantially delay release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the first layer until after the coated bead reaches a distal intestine portion of a subject to whom the coated bead is administered; and (d) the third layer coated over the second layer, the third layer comprising a second amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the third layer being configured to permit substantially immediate release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprised therein. Embodiments related to a solid oral pharmaceutical composition are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/122,847, filed Oct. 31, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and compositions, particularly for treatment of attention deficit disorder.

Description of the Prior Art

Sustained release dosage forms are important in the search for improved therapy, both through improved patient compliance and decreased incidences of adverse drug reactions.

It is the intent of sustained release formulations to provide a longer period of pharmacologic action after administration than is ordinarily obtained after administration of immediate release dosage forms. Sustained release compositions may be used to delay absorption of a medicament until it has reached certain portions of the alimentary tract, and maintain a desired concentration of the medicament in the blood stream for a longer duration than would occur if conventional rapid release dosage forms are administered. Such longer periods of response provide for many therapeutic benefits that are not achieved with corresponding short acting, immediate release preparations. Thus, therapy may be continued without interrupting the sleep of the patient, which is of special importance, for example, when treating a patient for moderate to severe pain (e.g., a post-surgery patient, a cancer patient, etc.), or for those patients who experience migraine headaches on awakening, as well as for the debilitated patient for whom sleep is essential. A further general advantage of longer acting drug preparations is improved patient compliance resulting from the avoidance of missed doses through patient forgetfulness.

Unless conventional rapid acting drug therapy is carefully administered at frequent intervals to maintain effective steady state blood levels of the drug, peaks and valleys in the blood level of the active drug occur due to rapid absorption, systemic excretion of the compound and through metabolic inactivation, thereby producing special problems in maintenance therapy of the patient.

In view of this, it is considered a goal of many skilled in the art that a controlled release dosage form will ideally provide therapeutic concentration of the drug in blood that is maintained throughout the dosing interval with a reduction in the peak/trough concentration ratio. Central to the development process are the many variables that influence the in vivo release and subsequent absorption of the active ingredients from the gastrointestinal tract.

It is known in the pharmaceutical art to prepare compositions which provide for sustained release of pharmacologically active substances contained in the compositions after oral administration to humans and animals. Sustained release formulations known in the art include specially coated pellets, coated tablets and capsules, and ion exchange resins, wherein the slow release of the active medicament is brought about through selective breakdown of the coating of the preparation or through compounding with a special matrix to affect the release of a drug. Some sustained release formulations provide for related sequential release of a single dose of an active compound at predetermined periods after administration.

Thus, sustained release dosage forms are important in the search for improved therapy, both through improved patient compliance and decreased incidences of adverse drug reactions.

While controlled and/or sustained release compositions have constituted a definite advance in the art, improvements in these compositions have been sought, particularly for preparations available for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), diabetes etc.

Attention Deficit Disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders in children (Campbell et al. 1992) with reported rates ranging from 4% to 9% (Aman et al. 1983).

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is characterized by inattention and impulsivity and may be present with hyperactivity (ADHD) (Shaywitz et al. 1984). Other characteristics may include aggressiveness, stealing, lying, truancy, setting fires, running away, explosiveness, cognitive and learning problems as well as poor social skills (Campbell et al. 1992). It is four to five times more frequent in boys than girls (Campbell et al. 1992).

Stimulant medication, such as amphetamines, have been shown to be the most effective agents in the treatment of children with disorders of activity modulation and attention regulation and result in significant improvement in 70 to 80 percent of affected children (Shaywitz et al. 1984). Positive effects of stimulants have been documented in a variety of areas including behavioral, social, perceptual performance, motor activity, impulse control, attention regulation and cognitive performance (Barkley 1977, Kavale 1983, Offenbacher et al. 1983, Rosenthal et al 1978).

Long thought of as a childhood disorder, ADHD is now known to persist into adolescence and adulthood (Practice Parameter for the Use of Stimulant Medications in the treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults. J. AM. ACAD. CHILD ADOLESC. PSYCHIATRY, 41:2 SUPPLEMENT, FEBRUARY 2002)

Methylphenidate [dl-threo-methyl-2-phenyl-2-(2-piperidyl)acetate] is the psycho-stimulant used most frequently in the treatment of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder. It appears to have a higher incidence of positive effects and a lower incidence of adverse effects than other psychostimulants. The efficacy of methylphenidate (“MPH”) in improving attention and behavioral symptoms has been supported by many studies.

Immediate release methylphenidate preparations, because of their short half-life, require frequent administration at short intervals to ensure adequate treatment throughout a child's school day, adolescence's school day (high school, college, university) and adult working day. The rapid onset and offset of immediate release methylphenidate preparations means that a medicated person with attention deficit disorder will be maximally affected only for relatively brief periods during the day. Due to its short half-life, it has been known to administer MPH given twice per day, usually once after breakfast and once during the day, an event that some children and some school personnel apparently avoid, resulting in poor compliance with prescribed regimens (Brown et al., 1985; Firestone 1982).

Compliance is a major problem for children, adolescences and adults. Poor compliance in taking medication may explain, in part, the variable and conflicting results reported in many studies of the effect of medication on improving the behavior of hyperactive children, adolescents and adults. These limitations of immediate release methylphenidate led to interest in products with longer effective periods of action.

Thus, much of the prior art has focussed on development of formulations for treatment of ADHD with a focus on administration to children and improving patient compliance in the patient population. This has led to commercialization of a number of sustained release formulations of methylphenidate—e.g., Ritalin SR™, Concerta™ and Biphentin™.

Duration of efficacy with long-acting methylphenidate formulations was maintained from one hour to 12 hours post-dosing for osmotically controlled-release oral delivery systems (four trials), 1.5 hours to 7.5 hours for methylphenidate extended release in one trial, one hour to 12 hours post-dosing for methylphenidate spheroidal oral drug absorption systems (two trials) and 30 minutes to 12 hours post-dosing for dexmethylphenidate extended release (five trials). Most long-acting stimulants conferred benefits on ADHD symptoms in patients across the age spectrum for up to 12 hours after a single morning dose as measured by the permanent product measure of performance mathematics test (PERMP). Formulations may differ in time to peak effect and maintenance of effect as well as magnitude of effect at different time points during the day (Brams M, Moon E, Pucci M, Lopez F A. Duration of effect of oral long-acting stimulant medications for ADHD throughout the day. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010 August; 26(8):1809-25. doi: 10.1185/03007995.2010.488553).

Despite the advances in the art, there is still room for improvement.

First, some or all of the commercially available sustained release formulations of methylphenidate do not have, in combination, a rapid onset of action and a duration of action that exceeds 12 hours. The provision of a sustained release formulation having this combination of features would be highly desirable for adolescents or adults whose daily activities require them to have a rapid onset of therapeutic effect and duration of action that lasts at least 14 hours to get them through the day and will into the evening without the need of another dose of the medication.

Second, some or all of the commercially available sustained release formulations of methylphenidate are susceptible to premature release of the active ingredient in a gastric environment that contains alcohol (e.g., ethanol). This can be a significant problem if the subject taking the formulation is an alcohol abuser.

This, it would be highly desirable to have a pharmaceutical composition that obviates or mitigates one or both of these problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel coated bead.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel solid oral pharmaceutical composition.

Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a coated bead comprising:

(a) a granule;

(b) a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising a first amount of an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant;

(c) a second layer coated over the first layer, the second layer being present in an amount sufficient to substantially delay release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the first layer until after the coated bead reaches a distal intestine portion of a subject to whom the coated bead is administered; and

(d) a third layer coated over the second layer, the third layer comprising a second amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the third layer being configured to permit substantially immediate release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprised therein.

In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a an oral solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a first plurality of coated beads and a second plurality of coated beads, wherein:

each coated bead in the first plurality of coated beads comprising: a first granule and a first layer coated over the first granule, the first layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant, the first plurality of coated beads being configured to provide substantially immediate release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient; and

each coated bead in the second plurality of coated beads comprising: a second granule; a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant; and a second layer coated over the first layer, the second layer being present in an amount sufficient to substantially delay release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the first layer until after the coated bead reaches a distal intestine portion of a subject to whom the coated bead is administered, the coated bead being substantially free of an outer layer configured to provide substantially immediate release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides an oral solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a first plurality of coated beads, a second plurality of coated beads and a third plurality of coated bead, wherein:

each coated bead in the first plurality of coated beads comprising: a first granule and a first layer coated over the first granule, the first layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant, the first plurality of coated beads being configured to provide substantially immediate release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient;

each coated bead in the second plurality of coated beads comprising: a second granule; a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant; and a second layer coated over the first layer, the second layer being present in an amount sufficient to substantially delay release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the first layer; and

each coated bead in the third plurality of coated beads comprising: a third granule; a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant, a second layer coated over the first layer, the second layer being present in an amount sufficient to substantially delay release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the first layer until after the coated bead reaches a distal intestine portion of a subject to whom the coated bead is administered.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a coated bead comprising:

(a) a granule;

(b) an inner layer coated over the granule, the inner layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant; and

(c) an outer delayed release layer coated over inner layer which is substantially free of a salt of alginic acid;

wherein release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is not more than 20% when measured under in vitro conditions with stirring at 100 rpm at pH 1.2 for 2 hours in 900 mL of a medium comprising up to about 35% v/v ethanol.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a coated bead comprising:

(a) a granule;

(b) an inner layer coated over the granule, the inner layer comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant; and

(c) an outer delayed release layer coated over inner layer, the outer delayed release coating comprises an anionic copolymer based on methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid with the proviso that the outer delayed release layer is substantially free of a salt of alginic acid, the outer delayed release layer being present at an average thickness in the range of from about 5 μm to about 50 μm.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a coated bead comprising:

(a) a granule comprising a first amount of an active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a central nervous system stimulant (e.g., the granule can comprise a granule substrate in admixture with the active pharmaceutical ingredient or the active pharmaceutical ingredient could be coated over the granule substrate); and

(b) a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer being present in an amount sufficient to substantially delay release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the first layer until after the coated bead reaches a distal intestine portion of a subject to whom the coated bead is administered; and

(c) a second layer coated over the first layer, the second layer comprising a second amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the second layer being configured to permit substantially immediate release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprised therein.

Throughout this specification, the term “coated over” (or the functional equivalent thereof) is used to describe a first layer of material disposed exteriorly with respect to a second layer of material. It should be clearly understood that, in such a case, the first layer of material may be directly coated over (i.e., in contacting relation with) the second layer of material or indirectly coated over (i.e., in non-contacting relation with) the second layer of material. An example of the “indirectly coated over” would be when the first layer of material and the second layer of material has disposed between them one or more intermediate layers of material. The point is the term “coated over” (or the functional equivalent thereof), when used on its own encompasses both “directly coated over” and “indirectly coated over” described above.

The present inventors have developed a novel coated bead and a novel pharmaceutical composition which are believed to obviate or mitigate one or both of the above-mentioned disadvantages described above with reference to some or all of the commercially available sustained release formulations of methylphenidate. The present coated bead and pharmaceutical composition are believed to be highly advantageous in that they have a rapid on set of action (e.g., approximately 1 hour after administration) and a long duration of action (e.g., approximately 16 hours or more) after reaching steady state in the subject. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory or mode of action, it is believed that the long duration of action results in a blood plasma concentration of the active ingredient at 24 hours after administration which allows for a rapid onset of action when another dose of the active ingredient is taken—i.e., there appears to be a baseline blood plasma concentration of the active ingredient when it is time to take a subsequent dose to allow for a rapid onset of action of that subsequent dose.

The present coated bead and pharmaceutical composition are believed to address a limitation of some or all current commercially available long-acting methylphenidate formulations which are not reported to provide and maintain duration of action beyond 12 hours. The present coated bead and pharmaceutical composition are also believed to address the limitation with long-acting lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that is reported to last up to 14 hours but do not have a rapid onset of action. These two characteristics (rapid onset of action and long duration of action) of the present coated bead and pharmaceutical composition are believed to address a significant limitation for adolescences or adults whose daily activities require them to have a rapid onset of therapeutic effect and duration of action that lasts at least 14 hours to get them through the day and will into the evening without the need of another dose of the medication.

In one preferred embodiment, the present coated bead and pharmaceutical composition are characterized by having a resistance release of the active ingredient in an aqueous composition comprising up to about 35% by volume of an alcohol (e.g., ethanol)—i.e., release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is not more than 20% when measured under in vitro conditions with stirring at 100 rpm at pH 1.2 for 2 hours in 900 mL of a medium comprising up to about 35% v/v ethanol. This resistance to alcohol-related release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be achieved without the need to use coating layer comprising one or more salts of aglinic acid thereby simplifying manufacturing costs and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which:

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate results on testing done on formulations produced in the examples described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The coated bead and solid oral pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include a central nervous system stimulant which can be generally defined as a chemical entity that affects the dopamine or norepinephrine neural pathways. Preferred pharmaceutically active ingredients include, but are not limited to amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, the active isomers of amphetamines and amphetamine salts including salts of dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and its active salts, or combinations thereof, all of which can be used as racemic mixtures or pure isomers such as d-threo methylphenidate, or a prodrug or pharmaceutical salt, or mixed pharmaceutical salts of any thereof alone or in combination. The disclosed coated bead and solid oral pharmaceutical compositions can also include a prodrug, including but not limited to amino acid conjugated active ingredients such as 1-lysine-d-amphetamine.

Conditions or disorders that can be treated using the present coated bead or solid oral pharmaceutical compositions include, but are not limited to attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), excessive daytime sleepiness, major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, negative symptoms in schizophrenia, chronic fatigue, fatigue associated with chemotherapy or binge eating disorder. Attention deficit disorders are characterized by hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive symptoms that cause impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning, and are often present in two or more settings, school (or work) and at home, for example. For the Inattentive Type, at least 6 (5 for adults ≥18 years of age) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months: lack of attention to details/careless mistakes; lack of sustained attention; poor listener; failure to follow through on tasks; poor organization; avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort; loses things; easily distracted; and forgetful. For the Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, at least 6 (5 for adults ≥18 years of age) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months: fidgeting/squirming; leaving seat; inappropriate running/climbing; difficulty with quiet activities; “on the go;” excessive talking; blurting answers; can't wait turn, and intrusive. The combined type includes both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors.

It is understood that the term treatment as used herein is not limited to the cure or elimination of any condition or disorder nor is that term limited to the achievement of certain milestones or improvement criteria in a particular subject, but includes the administration of an agent for the purpose of achieving positive effects in terms of cognitive or behavioral function, reduction of symptoms or side effects. All such activities are considered to be treatment whether or not any improvement is immediately observable or measurable.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a controlled release oral formulation of methylphenidate (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) that provides a rapid onset of therapeutic effect and a gradual drop in plasma concentration after a prolonged period of therapeutic effect (e.g., 16 hours). This oral formulation comprises a plurality of substrates, preferably in the form of coated beads. Preferably, the coated bead comprises: (i) an initial portion of an effective dose of methylphenidate (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) in immediate release form coated over granule; (ii) a controlled release (e.g., hydrophobic) material, preferably in the form of an acrylic polymer, coated over (i); (iii) a delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) coating over (ii) in an amount sufficient to substantially delay the release of the drug from the substrate until after coated bead passes through the stomach and the distal part of the gastrointestinal tract; and, optionally, (iv) a remaining portion of the effective dose of methylphenidate (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) in immediate release form coated over (iii).

Preferably, the colonic delivery coating is derived from an aqueous dispersion of an anionic copolymer based on methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid, a plasticizer and a glidant. The contents of the encapsulated product may be sprinkled on soft foods before administration.

The substrate (e.g., granules) can be chosen from spheres, also referred as pellets, also referred as beads, made of microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol-PVP, silica, starch, lactose, calcium carbonate or combination thereof. The preferred substrate to be used is sugar spheres 14/18 mesh to 18/20 mesh.

It can be preferred to use sugar spheres 14/18 mesh to 18/20 mesh amount of about 20% to about 70% by weight, of about 25% to about 65% by weight, of about 40% to about 64% by weight, of about 41% to about 63% by weight, of about 42% to about 62% by weight, of about 43% to about 61% by weight, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition. An amount of about 44.0% to about 53.5% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred of the nonpareil substrate, particularly of sugar spheres 14/18 mesh to 18/20 mesh.

The controlled release polymer can include ethylcellulose polymers, cellulose ethers (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-ethylcellulose, etc.), polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol derivates, methacrylic acid copolymers (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) triacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) trimethacrylate, polymulti (meth)acrylates], polyethylene glycol, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, poly caprolactone, poly(n-hydroxybutyrate), polyamino acids, poly(amide-enamines), poly(esters)¹, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), poly acrylic acid (PAA), poly methacrylic acid (PMAA) or combinations thereof in amounts that would deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient at the desired release rate. Preferably, the controlled release polymer is derived from a mixture copolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid ester with quaternary ammonium groups (Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer, Type B USP/NF). ¹ Chem. Rev. 1999, 99, 3181-3198. Polymeric Systems for Controlled Drug Release (Uhrich et al.)

It can be preferred to use ammonio methacrylate copolymer, Type B USP/NF as a controlled release material. Such a material is commercially available from Evonik under the tradement name Eudragit® RS30D.

It thus can be preferred to use a controlled release polymer amount of about 3% to about 16% by weight, of about 4% to about 15% by weight, of about 5% to about 14% by weight, of about 5.1% to about 13.5% by weight, such as of about 8.0% by weight, of about 8.1% by weight, of about 8.2% by weight, of about 8.3% by weight, of about 8.4% by weight, of about 8.5% by weight, of about 8.6% by weight, of about 8.7% by weight, of about 8.8% by weight, of about 8.9% by weight or about 9.0% by weight, of about 9.1% by weight, of about 9.2% by weight, of about 9.3% by weight, of about 9.4% by weight, of about 9.5% by weight, of about 9.6% by weight, of about 9.7% by weight, of about 9.8% by weight, of about 9.9% by weight of about 10.0%, of about 10.1% by weight, of about 10.2% by weight, of about 10.3% by weight, of about 10.4% by weight, of about 10.5% by weight, of about 10.6% by weight or of about 10.7% by weight, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition and the coated bead.

An amount of about 10.0% to about 10.7% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred, particularly of ammonio methacrylate copolymer, Type B USP/NF is used as controlled release modifier. The aforementioned amounts refer to the amount of all controlled release (e.g., hydrophobic) materials in the pharmaceutical composition or coated bead.

The delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) coating material can include guar gum, pectin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimelliate, biodegradable polysaccharides (amylose, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cyclodextrine, dextran, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, xylan), poly(methacylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) 1:2, poly(methacylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) 1:1, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, covalent linkage of the drug with carrier (azo conjugates, cyclodextrine conjugates, glycoside conjugates, glucuronate conjugates, dextran conjugates, polypeptide conjugates, polymeric drugs), acidic comonomers, methacryloyloxy azobenzene and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), dextran hydrogels, and combinations thereof in amounts that would control the delivery of the product to the distal part of the GI tract. The preferred system to be used is the anionic copolymer based on methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid (IUPAC name: Poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1).

It can be preferred to use poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 as the delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) material. Such a material is commercially available from Evonik under the tradement name Eudragit® FS30D.

It thus can be preferred to use a distal release modifier amount of about 3% to about 20% by weight, of about 8% to about 18% by weight, of about 10% to about 17% by weight, of about 10.1% to about 16.5 by weight, such as of about 15.0% by weight, of about 15.1% by weight, of about 15.2% by weight, of about 15.3% by weight, of about 15.4% by weight, of about 15.5% by weight, of about 15.6% by weight, of about 15.7% by weight, of about 15.8% by weight, of about 15.9% by weight or about 16.0% by weight, of about 16.1% by weight, of about 16.2% by weight, of about 16.3% by weight, of about 16.4% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

An amount of about 15.0% to about 16.0% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred, particularly of poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 is used as distal release modifier. The aforementioned amounts refer to the amount of all delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) materials (i.e., including mixtures) in the pharmaceutical composition and the coated bead.

Plasticizers can may optionally be used. Examples of useful plasticizers include citrates (triethyl citrate, acetyl Triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate and acetyl tributyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate), triacetin, dibutyl sebacate, sebacate and azelate esters (di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, di-2-ethylhexyl azelate, diisodecyl sebacate), ester of glycol and polyhydric alcohol [propylene glycol, glycerol (glycerin), polyethylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate], glyceryl monostearate (GMS), polysorbate 80, phthalates (di-octyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate), dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, adipates, phosphate esters, Polymerics, trimelliates (tris-2-ethylhexyltrimelliate), glutarates, castor oil, acetylated monoglycerides, fractionated coconut oil and mixtures of any two or more thereof. The preferred plasticizers to be used are triethyl citrate, glyceryl monostearate in combination with polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Polysorbate 80™).

It can be preferred to use triethyl citrate and glyceryl monostearate emulsion as plasticizer system.

It thus can be preferred to use a plasticizer system amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, of about 0.5% to about 9% by weight, of about 1% to about 7% by weight, of about 2% to about 6% by weight, of about 2.5% to about 5.5% by weight, of about 3.5% to about 4.5% by weight such as of about 3.6% by weight, of about 3.7% by weight, of about 3.8% by weight, of about 3.9% by weight, of about 4.0% by weight, of about 4.1% by weight, of about 4.2% by weight, of about 4.3% by weight, of about 4.4% by weight, of about 4.5% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

An amount of about 4.0% to about 4.5% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred, particularly of triethyl citrate and glyceryl monostearate emulsion is used as plasticizer system. The aforementioned amounts refer to the amount of all plasticizers (i.e., including mixtures) in the composition.

Glidants can include talc, fumed silica, lecithin. The preferred glidants to be used are talc and fumed silica.

Binders can include hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyvinyl pyrollidone, carbopol, and combinations thereof. It can be preferred to use HMPC as a binder.

It thus can be preferred to use a binder amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight, of about 2% to about 9% by weight, of about 3% to about 7% by weight, of about 3% to about 6% by weight, such as of about 3.0% by weight, of about 3.1% by weight, of about 3.2% by weight, of about 3.3% by weight, of about 3.4% by weight, of about 3.5% by weight, of about 3.6% by weight, of about 3.7% by weight, of about 3.8% by weight, of about 3.9% by weight, of about 4.0% by weight, of about 4.1% by weight, of about 4.2% by weight, of about 4.3% by weight, of about 4.4% by weight, of about 4.5% by weight, of about 4.6% by weight, of about 4.7% by weight, of about 4.8% by weight, of about 4.9% by weight or of about 5.0% by weight, of about 5.1% by weight, of about 5.2% by weight, of about 5.3% by weight, of about 5.4% by weight, of about 5.5% by weight, of about 5.6% by weight, of about 5.7% by weight, of about 5.8% by weight, of about 5.9% by weight or of about 6.0% by weight, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

An amount of about 3.8% to about 6.0% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred, particularly of HPMC is used as binder. The aforementioned amounts refer to the amount of all binders (i.e., including mixtures) in the composition.

It is preferred to use an outer layer of immediate release methylphenidate HCl amount of about 1% to about 30% by weight, of about 5% to about 28% by weight, of about 15% to about 27% by weight, of about 18% to about 25% by weight, such as of about 19.0% to about 25.0% by weight, of about 19.1% by weight, of about 19.2% by weight, of about 19.3% by weight, of about 19.4% by weight, of about 19.5% by weight, of about 19.6% by weight, of about 19.7% by weight, of about 19.8% by weight, of about 19.9% by weight, of about 20.0% by weight, of about 20.1% by weight, of about 20.2% by weight, of about 20.3% by weight, of about 20.4% by weight, of about 20.5% by weight, of about 20.6% by weight, of about 20.7% by weight, of about 20.8% by weight, of about 20.9% by weight or of about 21.0% by weight, of about 21.1% by weight, of about 21.2% by weight, of about 21.3% by weight, of about 21.4% by weight, of about 21.5% by weight, of about 21.6% by weight, of about 21.7% by weight, of about 21.8% by weight, of about 21.9% by weight or of about 22.0% by weight, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition. An amount of about 18.0% to about 22.0% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred. The aforementioned amounts refer to the amount of methylphenidate hydrochloride or its respective amount of the base or any of its salts in the outer immediate release layer composition.

It is also preferred to use an inner core layer of immediate release methylphenidate HCl amount of about 1% to about 99% by weight, of about 5% to about 95% by weight, of about 60 to about 90% by weight, of about 70% to about 85% by weight, such as of about 73.0% to about 83.0% by weight, of about 79.0% by weight, of about 79.1% by weight, of about 79.2% by weight, of about 79.3% by weight, of about 79.4% by weight, of about 79.5% by weight, of about 79.6% by weight, of about 79.7% by weight, of about 79.8% by weight, of about 79.9% by weight, of about 80.0% by weight, of about 80.1% by weight, of about 80.2% by weight, of about 80.3% by weight, of about 80.4% by weight, of about 80.5% by weight, of about 80.6% by weight, of about 80.7% by weight, of about 80.8% by weight, of about 80.9% by weight or of about 81.0% by weight, of about 81.1% by weight, of about 81.2% by weight, of about 81.3% by weight, of about 81.4% by weight, of about 81.5% by weight, of about 81.6% by weight, of about 81.7% by weight, of about 81.8% by weight, of about 81.9% by weight or of about 82.0% by weight, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition. An amount of about 78.0% to about 82.0% by weight based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition can be preferred. The aforementioned amounts refer to the amount of methylphenidate hydrochloride or its respective amount of the base or any of its salts in the inner core immediate release layer composition.

As described above, several solid dose controlled-release formulations of some or all commercially available methylphenidate are commercially available in the market. However, the therapeutic effect of some or all of those formulations is not expected to last for more than 12 hours after administration.

An advantage of the highly preferred embodiment of the present invention is believed to be that the formulation that will have a therapeutic effect of at least 14 hours of duration or more. To achieve this, the delivery of methylphenidate in the distal part of the GI tract was investigated to prolong the duration of action of the drug. The present inventors are unaware of an example of actual reported example the delivery of methylphenidate in the distal part of the GI tract. Also, no relevant in vivo data was found reporting the release of methylphenidate or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts in the distal part of the GI tract.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride is freely soluble in water and methanol, soluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in chloroform and acetone; melts between 224-226° C.; and has a pKa of approximately 8.8. Methylphenidate is relatively stable in acidic solutions but it is degraded extensively in basic solutions. The degradation occurs via the hydrolysis of the methyl ester to the free acid, α-phenyl 1-2-piperidineacetic acid. Therefore, the degradation amount increases up to 100% as the pH increases to 8.9. See Chemical Stability of Pharmaceuticals a Handbook for Pharmacists 1986, 587-590 (Kenneth A. Connors, Gordon L. Amidon and Valentino J. Stella) and Analytical Profiles of Drug Substances. 1981, 473-497. Gandharva R. Padmanabhan for additional information.

As a result, it was not known whether methylphenidate could be absorbed systematically in sufficient amount to have therapeutic effect at distal locations within the GI tract where the pH is known to be above pH 6.0. Thus, the present inventors performed in vitro and in vivo studies to determine the amount released and the extent of absorption of several methylphenidate controlled release formulations. Table 1 shows some of the different formulations explored; Table 2 shows their correspondent in vitro dissolution data and FIGS. 1-4 shows their respective in vivo results.

The preferred oral dosage form of the present invention is a capsule containing multilayer release (MLR) beads which have multiple layers to achieve the desire release rate profile of methylphenidate hydrochloride. Some of those layers have immediate release and controlled release components. It is made up of a controlled release bead which is coated to delay dissolution until it has reached the distal part of the GI tract. The distal coated controlled release bead has an immediate release topcoat to provide an initial rate of absorption needed to have the desired therapeutic effect. In a highly preferred embodiment, the immediate release component represents 20% of the total dose per bead and the controlled release component represents 80% of the total dose per bead. This formulation is designed to produce rapid rise to therapeutic plasma levels after oral administration, due to the rapid dissolution and absorption of the outer immediate release layer, followed by a period of minimum absorption and then controlled release of the immediate release core, plasma levels would then gradually decrease according to the elimination kinetics of methylphenidate.

In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage forms comprise methylphenidate or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt or derivate thereof as the sole pharmaceutically active agent.

The pharmaceutical composition of methylphenidate HCl, Controlled Release Capsules (e.g., Formulation I and J 80:20 described below) MPH IR distal beads may comprise about 1 to 150 mg such as about 15 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 45 mg, 55 mg 70 mg, 85 mg 100 mg and 120 mg

The present coated beads are preferably formulated as a single multilayer coated bead into an oral solid pharmaceutical compositions, preferably in the form of a capsule. The capsule material is preferably a hard gelatin capsule or a hard HPMC capsule. Other capsule materials may also be used and the selection thereof is within the purview of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In other embodiments of the present invention, it may be preferred to provide an outer layer on the coated bead, wherein the outer layer comprises one or more salts of alginic acid. The salts of alginic acid may be selected from sodium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, lithium alginate or ammonium alginate or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the salts of alginic acid may have a viscosity of 30 to 720, preferably 40 to 450, preferably 40 to 400 or preferably 50 to 300 centipoise (cp) of a 1% aqueous solution (weight/weight). The provision of such an outer layer can improve the coated bead resistance to alcohol (e.g., ethanol) in concentrations of greater than 35% (volume/volume)—e.g., 40% (volume/volume)—since such the presence of alcohol (e.g., ethanol) in the gastric fluid usually leads to an increase to the release rates in the stomach. Due to distribution effect, the effect of ingested ethanol in the intestine is not of the same importance as in the stomach. A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to the use of coating layers described above in the coated bead to confer resistance to alcohol (e.g., ethanol) in concentrations of up to about 35% (volume/volume) in the gastric fluid without the need to use a coating comprising one or more salts of alginic acid. Thus an effective protection against the influence of ethanol should prevent such an undesired increase of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredient in the stomach in the first place. Furthermore it may be desired that protection against the influence of ethanol shall at least not influence the comparably fast release rates at pH 6.8 in media without ethanol.

Embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with references to the following examples which should not be used to limit or otherwise construe the invention.

In the examples the following abbreviations are used:

IR beads—these are beads coated with the methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) and having no controlled or delayed release coating;

CRIR beads—these are IR beads which have been coated with a controlled release coating;

ECCRIR—these are CRIR beads which have been coated with an enteric coating (similar to commercially available Biphentin® product);

DRIR beads—these are IR beads which have been coated with a delayed or distal release coating;

DRCRIR beads—these are CRIR beads which have been coated with a delayed (enteric coating [ECCRIR]) or distal release coating; and

MPH IR distal beads—these are DRCRIR beads which have been coated with an immediate release layer of MPH.

Various of these beads were coated with sodium alginate which can confer resistance to 40% alcohol.

The general method of manufacture of Formulation I or Formulation J is described below followed by the various studies and findings.

The MPH IR distal beads were manufactured in four different stages involving separate coating process at each stage—immediate-release coating (drug layering [IR]), controlled-release coating [CR], distal release coating [DR] and top immediate release coating [CRDRIR]. All four stages are carried out in a fluid bed dryer with Wurster column. More detailed information of the process parameters used at each stage of the manufacturing process is found in Tables 9-12, respectively.

In some cases, a layer of sodium alginate-talc is also applied as a fifth stage on top of the top immediate release coating to improve dose dumping of methylphenidate HCl in hydro-ethanolic solutions compared with coated bead formulations that do not have a layer comprising one or more salts of alginic acid without affecting the immediate release performance of the top immediate release coating. More detailed information of the process parameters used at this stage of the manufacturing process is found in Table 13.

The following is a description of the manufacturing process.

Example 1—IR Beads

The following protocol was used to produce the IR beads.

Add Opadry clear YS-1-7006 to water and mix, then add methylphenidate hydrochloride and stir until a clear solution is obtained.

Charge fluid bed dryer (FBD) equipped with Wurster column with sugar spheres 14-18 or 18-20 mesh.

Coat the beads at an inlet temperature of 65°+10° C. and product temperature of 37.5°+3.5° C. by spraying the solution of methylphenidate hydrochloride.

After completion of the spraying process, allow the beads to dry at 41°+4° C. for approximately 3 minutes.

Cool the beads to 30°±1° C. product temperature and weigh.

Example 2—CRIR Beads

The following protocol was used to produce the methylphenidate CR beads.

Prepare a coating dispersion by mixing Plasacryl T20, filtered (250 micrometer screen) Eudragit RS 30 D and Triethyl Citrate in a container for at least 60 minutes.

Charge fluid bed dryer (FBD) equipped with Wurster column with IR beads.

Coat the IR beads at product temperature of 25°±5° C. by spraying the coating dispersion.

After completion of the coating dispersion, spray rinse water at a product temperature of 25°±5° C.

Example 3—DRCRIR Beads, Uncured

Charge fluid bed dryer (FBD) equipped with Wurster column with CRIR beads.

Prepare a coating dispersion by mixing Plasacryl T20, filtered (250 micrometer screen) Eudragit FS 30 D and water in a container for at least 60 minutes.

Coat the CRIR beads with Eudragit FS30D dispersion.

Note: In case the manufacturing process is interrupted, Syloid 244FP, quantity based on 0.43% of the theoretical yield of CRDR beads, is added to the beads and blended.

Example 4—DRCRIR Beads, Cured

The following protocol was used to produce the methylphenidate DRCR beads.

Charge fluid bed dryer (FBD) equipped with Wurster column with CRIR beads.

Prepare a coating dispersion by mixing Plasacryl T20, filtered (250 micrometer screen) Eudragit FS 30D and water in a container for at least 60 minutes.

Coat the CRIR beads with Eudragit FS30D dispersion at product temperature of 25°±3° C. by spraying the coating dispersion.

After completion of the coating dispersion, spray rinse water at a product temperature of 25°±3° C.

Suck into the FBD, Syloid 244FP, quantity based on 0.43% of the theoretical yield of CRDR beads and blend.

Cure the beads at a product temperature of 40°±2° C. for 60 minutes.

-   -   Cool the beads to product temperature of 25°±3° C.     -   Screen the beads on 0.85 mm screen and remove fines if any.     -   Note: In case the manufacturing process is interrupted, Syloid         244FP, quantity based on 0.43% of the theoretical yield of CRDR         beads, is added to the beads and blended.

Example 5—MPH IR Distal Beads

The following protocol was used to produce the MPH IR distal beads.

Add Opadry clear YS-1-7006 to water and mix, then add methylphenidate hydrochloride and stir until a clear solution is obtained.

Charge fluid bed dryer (FBD) equipped with Wurster column with DRCRIR beads

Coat the beads at an inlet temperature of 56°±15° C. and product temperature of 37.5°±3.5° C. by spraying the solution of methylphenidate hydrochloride.

After completion of the solution, spray rinse water at a product temperature of 37.5°±3.5° C.

Allow the beads to dry at product temperature of 41°±4° C. for 5 minutes.

Cool the beads to 30°±1° C. product temperature and weigh.

Screen the beads and collect the beads passing through 1.8 mm screen and retained on 0.85 mm screen.

Example 6—MPH IR Distal Beads Coated with Sodium Alginate Beads

The following protocol was used to produce the MPH IR distal beads coated with sodium alginate beads.

Add talc to water and mix; stir using a homogenizer until a uniform dispersion is obtained.

Add sodium alginate to water and mix, stir until a uniform dispersion is obtained.

Add the talc dispersion on the sodium alginate and mix until a uniform dispersion is obtained.

Charge fluid bed dryer (FBD) equipped with Wurster column with MPH IR distal beads.

Coat the beads at an inlet temperature of 70°±15° C. and product temperature of 50°±5° C. by spraying the solution of sodium alginate.

Allow the beads to dry at product temperature of 41°±4° C. for 5 minutes.

Cool the beads to 30°±1° C. product temperature and weigh.

Screen the beads and collect the beads passing through 1.8 mm screen and retained on 0.85 mm screen.

Example 7—MPH IR Distal Beads (with or without Sodium Aginate) with Silicon Dioxide

The following protocol was used to produce these beads.

Charge V blender with approximately half the total quantity of MPH IR Distal Beads (with or without sodium aginate).

Screen Syloid FP 244 through 20 mesh screen and add to the V blender.

Load remaining quantity of MPH IR Distal Beads (with or without sodium aginate) into the V blender.

Blend for 3 minutes.

Discharge the blend into plastic drums lined with polyethylene bags.

Example 8—Encapsulation of MPH IR Distal Beads (with or without Sodium Aginate) with Silicon Dioxide

The following equipment is used during the capsule filling process of the MPH IR Distal Beads (with or without sodium aginate) with silicon dioxide in either hard gelatin capsules (used in these Examples) or hard hypromellose (HPMC) capsules (an alternative to hard gelatin capsules):

-   -   Bosch GKF 1400 Encapsulator & Checkweigher     -   Metal Detector     -   Empty Capsule Conveying Bin

Example 9—Testing (pK Studies and Preliminary Studies on Alcohol Resistance)

The following methodology was used.

The dissolution of various formulations was performed using USP paddle method at 100 rpm in 900 ml at 37° C. of simulated gastric fluid (without enzyme) for 2 hours, 900 ml phosphate buffer pH 6.0 for 4 hours and 7th hour onwards, 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 7.4. The samples were withdrawn at the respective time points and analysed on HPLC using UV detector. The in vitro release data is indicated as percentage dissolved based on the label content of the active tested.

The results of a bioavailability study of this formulation indicate a biphasic release profile (FIG. 5).

It can be concluded from the in vitro dissolution data and its correspondent in vivo plasma concentration that methylphenidate can be absorbed in the distal part of the GI tract. It can also be concluded that the amount and extent of methylphenidate being absorbed depends on the excipients used in the formulation.

FIG. 1 shows that 7 to 10% of the controlled release polymer might be sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect that lasts for more than 14 hours but without the desired rapid on set of action and distinctive biphasic or triphasic pattern shown in FIG. 3 or 4. However, the next study showed that increasing the amount of the controlled release polymer up to 20% as shown in FIG. 2 prolonged the extent of release of methylphenidate. Nonetheless, the higher the amount of controlled release polymer, the less the total amount of methylphenidate is absorbed. This could be due to the degradation of methylphenidate at higher pH environments, thus less amount of methylphenidate is available at distal part of the GI tract to be absorbed in systemic circulation.

Therefore, the amount of controlled release polymer needs to be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired distinctive in vivo plasma concentration pattern. In the case of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the longer duration of action and distinctive pattern might be achieved between 7% to 20% weight gain of the controlled release polymer, more specifically about 16% weight gain of the controlled polymer. The 16% would provide the desired total amount and extent of methylphenidate in plasma concentration over time in a distinctive pattern that differentiates this formulation from any other long acting solid dose methylphenidate formulation available in the market. Moreover, it achieves duration of action of no less than 14 hours.

Formulation I also has the property that does not undergo food effect as shown in FIG. 5 and Table 3. It can also be sprinkled on apple sauce, yogurt or ice cream for up to 10 minutes without affecting its bioavailability performance as shown in FIG. 6 and Table 5. Compared to three equivalent doses of immediate-release methylphenidate administered separately at 4 hourly intervals, Formulation I has greater residual levels of methylphenidate at hour 24 post-administration and different partial AUCs during the dosing interval, particularly in the 12-16 hour period where the pAUC is significantly larger than immediate-release methylphenidate (Table 4). In addition, the second peak of methylphenidate occurs more than 2 hours after the third peak of immediate-release methylphenidate (FIG. 5 and Table 4). As a result of the significant residual methylphenidate plasma levels at hour 24 post-administration (FIG. 5), the pharmacokinetic profile changes after multiple days of dosing resulting in an overall increase in plasma levels (FIG. 7 and Table 6) and higher peak concentrations. Formulation J has a similar pharmacokinetic profile and properties as Formulation I (FIG. 8 and Table 7).

The in vitro dissolution specifications of the drug at various time points for formulations in accordance with Formulations A-J are shown in Table 2. Based on these results and the correlation between in vivo and in vitro data, the present inventors developed the target specification should in Table 8 for preferred embodiments of the present coated bead.

Based on the studies excipients were identified and adjusted to obtain a finished product that is stable within a product shelf life of at least 24 months and provides no less than 14 hours of therapeutic effect. Stability testing of the above formulation showed that the total related substances at 6 months 40° C./75% RH are within 2.0% and no individual unknown is higher than 0.2%.

In vitro dissolution testing at 40% ethanol in SFG dissolution media was performed. As will be illustrated in Example 10, Formulation I and Formulation J were found to be resistant up to about 35% v/v and up to about 32% v/v, respectively, ethanol in SGF. Therefore, different trials were performed with immediate release excipients to be applied to the outer immediate release layer methylphenidate hydrochloride to increase the ethanol resistance to 40% ethanol v/v. Some of the excipients that were investigated individually or in combination are: sodium alginate, Kollicoat™ IR, hypromellose, Lycoat™, pectin, lactose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose and talc. An outer layer of these excipients was applied on top of the desired methylphenidate CRDRIR formulation or formulation I/Formulation J and a test to determine in vitro alcohol resistance (see Example 10 for details of the test) was performed to determine the impact of the excipients in the formulation.

The experiment with sodium alginate in combination with talc showed that above 40% weight gain of sodium alginate the dissolution rate in 40% v/v ethanol would impart alcohol resistance to Formulation I under the prescribed test conditions. At weight gains between 55 to 75% the dissolution rate in the first two hours of the product would meet the criteria at 40% v/v ethanol and released about 20% of the IR component. Therefore, an improved CRDRIRR methylphenidate formulation (Formulation I or Formulation J) was developed. This formulation would have a most outer layer of about 55-75% weight gain of sodium alginate. This layer is applied on top of the external IR layer to provide a 40% v/v ethanol resistant formulation without affecting the original release rate of the formulation.

Example 10—Testing (Further Studies on Alcohol Resistance)

Generally dose dumping is observed as a result of a compromise of the release-rate controlling mechanism in a pharmaceutical product. Some products can be expected to exhibit a more rapid drug dissolution and release rate in the presence of ethanol. Therefore, when a modified-release product is consumed with alcohol, the modified-release mechanism could be adversely affected, which could lead to dose dumping.

The following study was performed to evaluate the alcohol induced dose dumping in IRDR Methylphenidate HCl capsules. The effect of varying concentrations of ethanol on the drug release was evaluated at 0% (no ethanol added), 5%, 20% and 40% ethanol which are considered to be representative of consumption of beer (5% ethanol), mixed drinks (20% ethanol), and neat liquor (40% ethanol). The dissolution evaluation was also carried out in 35% ethanol to understand the effect of ethanol concentrations from 20% to 40% and at what level the alcohol induced dose dumping becomes significant.

The dissolution profiles showed that even though in the presence of 40% ethanol, the rate of dissolution rapidly increased as compared to that observed in control, the release was never considered to be dose dumping of methylphenidate HCl. Furthermore, in the presence of 35% ethanol the rate of release increased but the average percentage release amount was determined to be similar when the f2, similarity factor, was calculated against the control sample. The calculated value was 50. An f2 value of 50-100 suggests similar dissolution profiles.

The experiments were carried out on 12 units as following: The ethanolic dissolution media used were 5%, 20%, 35% and 40% USP anhydrous ethanol in 0.1N HCl (v/v). The experiments were performed in 900 ml of respective media using USP apparatus 1 (baskets) at 100 rpm and 37° C. The control (0% ethanol) was also run using 900 ml of 0.1 N HCl. The 0.1 N HCl was selected to approximate the conditions in the stomach.

The samples were collected every 15 minutes up to 2 hours to understand the release profile starting as early as 15 minutes. Since the dissolution experiments were run for 2 hours, and the vessels were covered at all times, the media evaporation had no impact on the results. The samples were analyzed on HPLC as per specified IRDR Methylphenidate HCl capsule dissolution method and the percent released methylphenidate HCl at each time point was calculated. The dissolution and HPLC parameters are reported in Table 14.

Resistance to ethanol means that the release of the pharmaceutical active ingredient is in the presence of ethanol not more than 20% to be measured under in-vitro conditions at pH 1.2 for 2 hours in 900 mL medium according to USP with the addition of 5, 10, 20 or 40% (v/v) ethanol at 100 rpm using USP. Dose Dumping is defined as unintended, rapid drug release in a short period of time of a significant amount of the drug contained in a modified release dosage form. Dose dumping shall mean that the release of the pharmaceutical active ingredient is faster but does not release more than 25%, no more than 20% to be measured under in-vitro conditions at pH 1.2 for 60 minutes in medium according to USP with the addition of 5, 10, 20 or 40% (v/v) ethanol.

In this study, the focus was on coating application as a function of theoretical weight gain of coating applied to the nonpareil beads. Since it is also common to quantify film coating amount as mass/surface area, film coating amount (mg/cm²) was determined using a calculation for surface area, assuming the bead is a perfect sphere:

SA=4(πr ²)

wherein SA is the surface area and r is the radius of the bead.

Conventional round nonpareil beads with diameters ranging from 0.85 to 1.4 mm with an average of 1.125 mm were used in this ethanol resistance study. The surface area of beads of this average diameter was calculated as follows:

SA=4(π(0.5625²))

SA=3.98 mm²

Conventional round nonpareil beads with diameters ranging from 0.85 to 1.4 mm with an average of 1.125 mm were used in this ethanol resistance study.

Since a certain layer thickness is describable in film coating with Eudragit FS30D to impart alcohol resistant properties up to 30%, up to 32%, up to 35% without the capsules possessing dose dumping characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredient within the first 60 minutes; the amount of coating material is related to the surface area of the substrate per cm² of surface area. Thus, the inventors divided the surface area of a substrate A (mm²) by its weight gain w (mg), to obtain the desired coating quantity in % (w/w), i.e. as shown in the following equation:

Coating weight (%)=[A (mm²)/w (mg)]*1 (mg/cm²)

The total amount of the delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) material may be in the range of from about 5% to about 35% by weight, preferably from about 10% to 30% by weight, most preferably from about 15 to about 25% by weight, in relation to the weight of the core.

The absolute amount of the delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) material described above (prior to the examples) may, in the case of pellets or granules with a diameter size in the range of from about 840 to 1410 μm, be present at an average thickness in the range in from about 5 μm to about 50 μm, preferably from about 10 μm to about 50 μm, more preferably from about 33 μm to about 47 μm, most preferably about 40 μm.

It can be preferred to use poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 as the delayed (or distal) release (e.g., colonic delivery) material. Such a material is commercially available from Evonik under the tradement name Eudragit® FS30D.

The presence of ethanol in concentrations of 5, 10, 20 or 40% (volume/volume) in the gastric fluid usually leads to an increase to the release rates in the stomach. Due to distribution effect the effect of ingested ethanol is in the intestine not of that importance as in the stomach. Thus an effective protection against the influence of ethanol should prevent such an undesired increase of pharmaceutical active ingredient in the stomach in the first place. Furthermore it may be desired that protection against the influence of ethanol shall at least not influence the comparably fast release rates at pH 6.8 in media without ethanol.

International Patent Publication WO 2012/0224998 describes a gastric resistant pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition, comprising a core, comprising a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredient and a gastric resistant coating layer onto the core, wherein the release of the pharmaceutical active ingredient is not more than 15% under in-vitro conditions at pH 1.2 for 2 hours in a buffered medium according to USP with and without the addition of 40% (v/v) ethanol, wherein the gastric resistant coating layer comprises 10 to 100% by weight of one or more salts of alginic acid with a viscosity of 30 to 720 cP of a 1% aqueous solution. The one layer system as described is stated to solve the problem of protection against the influence of ethanol. However, there is no reference of ethanol protection provided by coating layer containing Eudragit™ FS30D at any ethanol concentration by itself or when the coatings which include the ammonium alginate, coatings which employ other alginate salts, like sodium or potassium alginate, are deposited in the most outer layer of the bead.

The data demonstrated that the in-vitro rate of dissolution of methylphenidate HCl did not increase in the presence of 5% and 20% ethanol within two hours as compared to that in control; and the in-vitro rate of dissolution of methylphenidate HCl did not increase in the presence of 5%, 20%, 35% and 40% ethanol within 30 minutes as compared to that in control. Nevertheless, in the presence of 35% and 40% ethanol, more rapid increase was observed in the dissolution release rate after 30 minutes. Even though a faster release was observed, the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredients was still in a controlled release manner. Dose dumping of methylphenidate hydrochloride did not occur at any time of the release in presence of different concentration of ethanol up to 40%.

The results of this study are believed to be a reasonable basis for the present inventors to predict similar resistance to alcohol (e.g., ethanol) would be observed clinically and for active ingredients other than methylphenidate HCl.

Example 11—a Randomized, Double-Blind Study of the Time Course of Response of MPH-IR

Distal Bead (Formulation I) in Adult with ADHD in a Simulated Adult Workplace Environment (AWE)

Objectives

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, optimized-dose study was to assess the clinical efficacy, time of onset and time course of efficacy over 16 hours of MPH-IR Distal Bead compared to placebo in adults diagnosed with ADHD in an AWE setting.

Methodology

This study (063-008) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in adult, male and female ADHD subjects conducted to assess clinical efficacy, the time of onset and time course of efficacy of MPH-IR Distal Bead measured by the Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP) (an objective, skill-adjusted math test that measures attention in ADHD) score. Subjects were titrated to an optimal dose in an open-label phase of between 2 and 7 weeks, familiarized with study procedures in a practice AWE session and then randomized to one of two sequences (ACTIVE to PLACEBO or PLACEBO to ACTIVE) and received one treatment for one week, followed by an AWE session, then crossed over to the other treatment for one week, followed by a second AWE session.

Number of Subjects

Planned: 60 subjects. Randomised: 59 subjects. Completed: 46 subjects.

Test Treatment, Dose, and Mode of Administration

Active or matching placebo MPH-IR Distal Bead (methylphenidate hydrochloride controlled-release—Formulation I in Table 1) 25, 35, 45, 55, 70, 85 or 100 mg oral capsules were administered once-daily in the morning.

Duration of Treatment

Subjects received open label medication during a 2 to 9 week dose titration, followed by a double-blind crossover of one week of placebo treatment and one week of active treatment.

Criteria for Evaluation

The primary outcome measure was the mean between-treatment PERMP Total score across the AWE sessions. Secondary outcome measures included the onset and time course of efficacy of MPH-IR Distal Bead compared to placebo as measured by the PERMP Total Score (PERMP-T), PERMP Attempted Score (PERMP-A) and PERMP Correct Score (PERMP-C) at pre-dose and 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 8.0, 11.0, 14.0 and 16.0 hours post-dose and the onset and time course of efficacy of MPH-IR Distal Bead compared to placebo as measured by the SKAMP (a subjective measure of behaviour), using the combined score (SKAMP-C), the SKAMP-Deportment (SKAMP-D) subscale and SKAMP Attention (SKAMP-A) subscale at pre-dose and 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.0, 8.0, 11.0, 13.0, 14.0 and 16.0 hours post-dose.

Efficacy & Safety Results

The study met the primary endpoint in that subjects treated with MPH-IR Distal Bead had improved attention compared to subjects receiving placebo, as measured by the mean change from pre-dose PERMP-Total Scores (FIG. 9).

Subjects receiving MPH-IR Distal Bead showed improvement in attention with an onset of action within 1.0 hour of receiving active medication compared to placebo with duration of effect continuing for up to and including 16.0 hours post-dose, based on change from pre-dose LS mean difference from placebo PERMP-Total Scores (FIG. 9).

Subjects receiving MPH-IR Distal Bead showed improvement in behaviour with an onset of action within 1.0 hour of receiving active medication compared to placebo with duration of effect continuing for up to and including 16.0 hours post-dose based on change from pre-dose LS mean difference from placebo SKAMP-C Scores (FIG. 10).

MPH-IR Distal Bead was relatively safe and well-tolerated medication.

Overall Conclusions

MPH-IR Distal Bead was safe and effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD, demonstrating efficacy from one hour to 16 hours post administration on both objective and subjective measures. Subjects demonstrated significant improvement in the primary endpoint—an objective measure of attention (the PERMP)—and the secondary endpoint—a subjective measure of behaviour (the SKAMP)—during the double-blind phase of the study when treated with MPH-IR Distal Bead compared to when treated with placebo.

In addition, the study medication was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events. Patients reported satisfaction with ability to fall asleep, appetite for lunch, appetite for dinner or overall adverse effects and no significant differences compared to placebo in sleep quality.

The onset and duration of action at one hour and 16 hours post-administration respectively, is the result of the pharmacokinetic profile of MPH-IR Distal Bead. The residual methylphenidate plasma concentration at hour 24 post-administration leads to an increase in the first peak of methylphenidate following multiple days of dosing, resulting in an onset of action with one hour. In addition, the second peak of methylphenidate is also increased following multiple days of dosing, providing sufficient plasma levels of methylphenidate late in the day that results in a prolonged duration of action extending to 16 hours post-administration. The pharmacokinetic profile of this formulation provides a combination of rapid onset and a prolonged duration of action in a single daily administration.

Example 12—Preferred Formulations

Based on the exemplary work described above, Formulations I and J were identified as the most preferred for the present coated bead. Tables 15 and 16 provide complete formulation specifications for oral solid pharmaceutical composition based on Formulations I and J, respectively for the following dosage strengths of methylphenidate HCl: 25 mg, 30, mg, 35 mg, 45 mg, 55 mg, 70 mg, 85 mg and 100 mg.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments.

All publications, patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TABLE 1 Strength (label claim) 20 mg Strength (label claim) 20 mg Formulation A - 7% Formulation B - Formulation C - 16% Formulation D - 20% 063-001 10% 063-001 063-002 063-002 DRCRIR bead DRCRIR bead DRCRIR bead DRCRIR bead Quantity per Quantity per Quantity per Quantity per Ingredient unit % unit % unit % unit % Methylphenidate HCl, USP 20.0 11.25 20.0 10.88 20.0 10.19 20.0 9.79 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 107.0 60.2 107.0 58.2 107.0 54.5 106.8 52.3 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 6.4 3.6 6.4 3.5 6.5 3.3 6.4 3.1 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer 9.4 5.26 13.3 7.24 21.3 10.86 26.7 13.05 dispersion, Type B, 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 1.4 0.80 2.0 1.10 3.3 1.67 4.1 2.00 Glyceryl monostearate emulsion 3.8 2.18 4.3 2.37 5.3 2.74 6.0 2.94 (Plasacryl T20), HS Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF 0.7 0.4 0.7 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.8 0.4 Eudragit FS30D Liquid, HS 29.0 16.32 30.0 16.32 32.0 16.32 33.3 16.32 Total weigh in capsule (mg) ~178 ~100 ~184 ~100 ~196 ~100 ~204 ~100 Strength (label claim) 30 mg Formulation E - 70:30 063-002 Strength (label claim) 30 mg ECCRIR bead (70%) + DRCRIR bead Formulation F - 80:20 063-003 (30%) DRCRIR bead (80%) + IR bead (20%) Ingredient Quantity per unit (%) Quantity per unit (%) 1. IR bead IR bead (0%) IR bead (20%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP — 15.0 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF — 80.2 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP — 4.8 Total IR bead — ~100% 7. CR/EC/IR bead ECCRIR bead (70%) ECCRIR bead (0%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 12.78 — Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 62.02 — Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 4.04 — Ammonio methacrylate copolymer dispersion, Type B, 5.44 — 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Methacrylic Acid copolymer dispersion, 30% 8.15 — dispersion (Eudragit L30 D-55 solids), USP NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 2.70 — Talc Ph.Eur/USP 4.87 — Total CR/EC/IR bead ~100% ~100% 6. CR/DR bead DRCRIR bead (30%) DRCRIR bead (80%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 10.19 10.19 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 54.5 54.5 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 3.3 3.3 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer dispersion, Type B, 10.86 10.86 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 1.67 1.67 Glyceryl monostearate emulsion (Plasacryl T20), HS 2.74 2.74 Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF 0.4 0.4 Eudragit FS30D Liquid, HS 16.32 16.32 Total CR/DR bead (30%) ~100% ~100% Total weight in capsule ~211 mg ~275 mg Strength (label claim) 30 mg Strength (label claim) 30 mg Formulation G - 30:55:15 063-003 Formulation H - 35:55:10 063-003 ECCRIR bead (30%) + DRCRIR bead ECCRIR bead (35%) + DRCRIR bead (55%) + IR bead (15%) (55%) + IR bead (10%) Ingredient Quantity per unit (%) Quantity per unit (%) 1. IR bead IR bead (15%) IR bead (10%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 15.0 15.0 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 80.2 80.2 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 4.8 4.8 Total IR bead ~100% ~100% 7. CR/EC/IR bead ECCRIR bead (30%) ECCRIR bead (35%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 12.78 12.78 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 62.02 62.02 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 4.04 4.04 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer dispersion, Type B, 5.44 5.44 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Methacrylic Acid copolymer dispersion, 30% dispersion 8.15 8.15 (Eudragit L30 D-55 solids), USP NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 2.70 2.70 Talc Ph.Eur/USP 4.87 4.87 Total CR/EC/IR bead ~100% ~100% 6. CR/DR bead DRCRIR bead (55%) DRCRIR bead (55%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 10.19 10.19 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 54.5 54.5 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 3.3 3.3 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer dispersion, Type B, 10.86 10.86 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 1.67 1.67 Glyceryl monostearate emulsion (Plasacryl T20), HS 2.74 2.74 Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF 0.4 0.4 Eudragit FS30D Liquid, HS 16.32 16.32 Total CR/DR bead (30%) ~100% ~100% Total weight in capsule ~262 mg ~264 mg Strength (label claim) 100 mg Strength (label claim) 100 mg Formulation I 80:20 Strength (label claim) 100 mg Formulation F 80:20 063-004, 063-005, 063-007 Formulation J 80:20 063-003 063-008 063-011 DRCRIR bead + IR bead MPH IR distal bead MPH IR distal bead Ingredient Quantity per unit (%) Quantity per unit (%) Quantity per unit (%) 1. IR bead IR bead (20%) IR bead (0%) IR bead (0%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 15.0 — — Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 80.2 — — Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 4.8 — — Total IR bead ~100% — — 6. CR/DR bead DRCRIR bead (80%) DRCRIR bead (0%) DRCRIR bead (0%) Methylphenidate HCl, USP 10.19 — — Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 54.5 — — Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP 3.3 — — Ammonio methacrylate copolymer 10.86 — — dispersion, Type B, 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 1.67 — — Glyceryl monostearate emulsion 2.74 — — (Plasacryl T20), HS Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF 0.4 — — Eudragit FS30D Liquid, HS 16.32 — — Total CR/DR bead ~100% — — 8. CR/DR/IR bead MPH IR distal bead MPH IR distal bead MPH IR distal bead Quantity per unit Quantity per unit (mg) % (mg) % Methylphenidate HCl, USP — 100 12.3 100 18.4 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh or 18/20 mesh, — 428.5 52.7 243.1 44.7 USP/NF Opadry Clear YS-1-7006, USP — 31.7 3.9 32.2 5.9 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer — 85.4 10.5 55.55 10.3 dispersion, Type B, 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF — 13.0 1.6 8.61 1.6 Glyceryl monostearate emulsion — 22.0 2.7 14.1 2.6 (Plasacryl T20), HS Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF — 4.1 0.5 4.52 0.8 Eudragit FS30D Liquid, HS — 128.5 15.8 84.61 15.6 Total weight in capsule ~1100 mg ~813 mg ~100% ~543 mg ~100%

TABLE 2 Dissolution results % Methylphenidate HCl dissolved Time Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- For- For- Dissolution (hours) lation A lation B lation C lation D lation E lation F lation G Formulation H mulation I mulation J USP paddle method,  1 4 4 1 1 25 18 25 24 20 20 100 rpm, at 37° C., 900 ml  4 11 10 3 4 31 22 29 28 21 21 simulated gastric fluid for 2  8 41 49 28 38 54 46 61 61 44 41 hours, 900 ml phosphate buffer 12 68 76 44 40 64 58 71 71 83 73 pH 6.0 for 4 hours and 7th hour 16¹ 79 78 54 41 68 67 74 73 78 79 onwards, 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 7.4 USP <711> Acceptance Table 2 ¹The total amount of Methylphenidate HCl decreases as it degrades at pH 7.4.

TABLE 3 Ratios, 90% Geometric CI for non-dose-normalized Parameters Study 063-004 90% Geometric C.I. Parameter Treatment Comparisons Ratio Lower Upper AUC_(0-t) Formulation I (fed) vs IR-MPH (fed) 102.73% 97.69% 108.03% Formulation I (fast) vs IR-MPH (fast) 123.92% 117.87% 130.29% Formulation I (fed) vs (fast) 98.02% 93.21% 103.07% AUC_(0-inf) Formulation I (fed) vs IR-MPH (fed) 128.07% 122.18% 134.24% Formulation I (fast) vs IR-MPH (fast) 147.91% 141.31% 154.83% Formulation I (fed) vs (fast) 102.09% 97.41% 107.01% C_(max) Formulation I (fed) vs IR-MPH (fed) 71.17% 65.92% 76.83% Formulation I (fast) vs IR-MPH (fast) 87.06% 80.66% 93.96% Formulation I (fed) vs (fast) 89.31% 82.73% 96.41%

TABLE 5 Ratios, 90% Geometric CI for non-dose-normalized Parameters Study 063-005 90% Geometric C.I. Parameter Treatment Comparisons Ratio Lower Upper AUC0-t Test(A) - Reference(D) 98.78% 95.30% 102.40% Test(B) - Reference(D) 98.60% 95.11% 102.22% Test(C) - Reference(D) 101.08% 97.52% 104.78% AUC0-inf Test(A) - Reference(D) 97.87% 94.45% 101.41% Test(B) - Reference(D) 98.45% 95.01% 102.02% Test(C) - Reference(D) 101.35% 97.82% 105.01% Cmax Test(A) - Reference(D) 108.31% 100.05% 117.26% Test(B) - Reference(D) 100.08% 92.43% 108.37% Test(C) - Reference(D) 105.84% 97.77% 114.57%

TABLE 4 Summary of non-dose-normalized Pharmacokinetic Results Study 063-004 Formulation I Formulation I Ritalin Ritalin (100 mg Fast) (100 mg Fed) (20 mg × 3 Fast) (20 mg × 3 Fed) AUC_(0-t) 167783.86 ± 46487.66  161271.48 ± 40500.38  132957.12 ± 43955.82  155290.78 ± 37540.22 (pg · hr/mL) AUC_(0-inf) 205610.43 ± 61472.88  202964.28 ± 57449.88  136436.27 ± 45902.96  159381.72 ± 39469.43 (pg · hr/mL) Residual Area 17.62 ± 11.06 18.63 ± 8.51  2.42 ± 0.96  2.45 ± 0.92 (%) C_(max) 12875.81 ± 4590.85  11088.11 ± 2699.06  14105.39 ± 3770.36  15247.79 ± 3288.76 (pg/mL) T_(max) (hr) 11.5 12.5 9.50 6.04 K_(el (1/hr)) 0.1173 ± 0.0430 0.1074 ± 0.0296 0.1968 ± 0.0218  0.1976 ± 0.0247 T_(1/2 el) 6.95 ± 3.25 7.03 ± 2.28 3.57 ± 0.40  3.56 ± 0.45 (hr) AUC₀₋₄ 24818.34 ± 7976.76  21160.21 ± 6420.56  22955.21 ± 8292.78  26886.10 ± 7606.67 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₈₋₁₂ 36457.19 ± 18489.84 29392.15 ± 8453.72  41094.69 ± 12181.51 44914.86 ± 8753.20 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₁₂₋₁₆ 39322.95 ± 10236.29 36653.88 ± 11521.14 20364.91 ± 9558.52  24467.89 ± 8948.65 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₀₋₈ 48626.93 ± 16709.44 47422.42 ± 9947.71  58725.69 ± 17067.12  70056.85 ± 16031.58 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₀₋₁₂ 85084.12 ± 33395.48 76814.57 ± 16722.84 99820.38 ± 28132.26 114971.70 ± 23607.37 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₀₋₁₆ 124407.07 ± 40902.66  113468.45 ± 26835.93  120185.29 ± 37077.85  139439.59 ± 30402.02 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₀₋₂₄ 167740.82 ± 46495.35  161217.02 ± 40475.17  132949.12 ± 43953.43  155281.82 ± 37538.47 (pg · hr/mL) AUC₄₋₈ 23500.00 ± 10293.79 25814.81 ± 6376.73  35446.96 ± 9454.91   42739.42 ± 10194.06 (pg · hr/mL) AUC_(12-t) 82699.74 ± 21862.39 84456.90 ± 26718.88 33136.74 ± 16892.19  40319.08 ± 17657.25 (pg · hr/mL) C_(max0-4) (pg/mL) 9365.42 ± 3213.96 9248.95 ± 1886.65 9206.46 ± 3371.78 10951.60 ± 3222.66 C_(max4-8) 7927.79 ± 4347.57 8162.71 ± 1932.67 12684.06 ± 3583.22  14454.13 ± 3450.37 (pg/mL) C_(max8-16) 12413.97 ± 4546.66  10667.64 ± 3017.29  13650.77 ± 3689.34  14174.43 ± 3158.31 (pg/mL) T_(max0-4) (hr) 1.63 3.00 2.00 2.07 T_(max4-8) (hr) 4.00 3.95 6.00 6.00 T_(max8-16) (hr) 12.5 13.5 9.52 10.0

TABLE 6 Ratios, 90% Geometric CI for non-dose-normalized Parameters Study 063-007 90% Geometric C.I. Parameter Treatment Comparisons Ratio Lower Upper AUC₀₋₂₄ Formulation I vs 147.61% 143.02% 152.34% IR-MPH C_(max) Formulation I vs 98.92% 92.48% 105.81% IR-MPH C_(min) Formulation I vs 456.91% 404.67% 515.90% IR-MPH

TABLE 7 Ratios, 90% Geometric CI Parameters for Study 063-011 90% Geometric C.I. Parameter Treatment Comparisons Ratio Lower Upper AUC_(0-t) Formulation I vs Formulation J (fed) 99.15% 91.82% 107.08% Formulation I vs Formulation J (fast) 99.64% 92.27% 107.61% AUC_(0-inf) Formulation I vs Formulation J (fed) 98.66% 91.67% 106.20% Formulation I vs Formulation J (fast) 98.76% 91.75% 106.29% C_(max) Formulation I vs Formulation J (fed) 98.34% 83.67% 115.60% Formulation I vs Formulation J (fast) 90.87% 77.31% 106.81%

TABLE 8 Time (hours) % Methylphenidate HCl dissolved 1 NLT 15% 4 18-38% 8 35-55% 12 68-98    16 NLT 68   

TABLE 9 Production of Methylphenidate Immediate Release (IR) Beads Process Parameters Recommended Parameters Coating sugar spheres with methylphenidate solution Preheating Fluid bed coating Inlet air volume, cmh (to be adjusted as necessary) 800 ± 300 1100 ± 200  Inlet air temperature, ° C. 56 ± 5  65 ± 10 Atomization air pressure, bar   1 ± 0.2 3 ± 1 Inlet dew point, ° C. 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 Product temperature, ° C. 35 ± 2  37.5 ± 3.5  Spraying rate, g/min (to be adjusted as necessary) N/A 150-400 Rinsing with purified water Rinsing Drying Cooling Amount of water used (kg) 1 N/A N/A Fluidized air volume, cmh (to be adjusted as necessary) 1100 ± 200  1000 ± 200 1000 ± 300 Inlet air temperature, ° C. (to be adjusted as necessary) 65 ± 10 60 ± 6 Minimum Atomization air pressure, bar 3 ± 1   1 ± 0.2   1 ± 0.2 Inlet dew point, ° C. 8 ± 4  8 ± 4  8 ± 4 Product temperature, ° C. 36 ± 3  41 ± 4 30 ± 1 Spraying rate, g/min (to be adjusted as necessary) 150-350 N/A N/A Time, min N/A ~3 N/A

TABLE 10 Production of Methylphenidate Controlled Release (CRIR) Beads Process Parameters Coating IR beads with Controlled Release Recommended Parameters coating dispersion Preheating CR Coating Rinsing Amount of purified water N/A N/A 1 used (Kg) Inlet air volume, cmh (to be 1000 ± 250 1250 ± 350  1250 ± 250  adjusted as necessary) Inlet air temperature, ° C. 45 ± 5 45 ± 15 45 ± 15 Atomization air pressure, bar   1 ± 0.2 2.8 ± 0.5 2.8 ± 0.5 Inlet dew point, ° C.  8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 Product temperature, ° C. 25 ± 3 25 ± 5  25 ± 5  Spraying rate, g/min (to be N/A 100-400 100-350 adjusted as necessary)

TABLE 11 Production of Methylphenidate Distal (DRCRIR) Beads, cured Process Parameters Coating CRIR beads with Distal Release Recommended Parameters coating dispersion DR Coating Rinsing Curing Cooling Amount of purified water used (Kg) N/A 1 N/A N/A Inlet air volume, cmh (to be adjusted as 1400 ± 400  1400 ± 400  800 ± 400 800 ± 100 necessary) Inlet air temperature, ° C. 45 ± 15 45 ± 15 To be 15 ± 10 adjusted Atomization air pressure, bar 2.8 ± 0.5 2.8 ± 0.5   1 ± 0.2   1 ± 0.2 Inlet dew point, ° C. 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 Product temperature, ° C. 25 ± 3  25 ± 3  40 ± 2  25 ± 3  Spraying rate, g/min (to be adjusted as 150-400 150-350 N/A N/A necessary) Time, min. N/A N/A 60 N/A

TABLE 12 Production of Methylphenidate IR Distal (MPH IR distal) Beads Process Parameters Coating DRCRIR beads with Recommended Parameters Immediate Release layer Preheating IR coating Rinsing Drying Cooling Amount of purified water used (Kg) N/A N/A 1 N/A N/A Inlet air volume, cmh (to be 1100 ± 400  1400 ± 400  1400 ± 400  1100 ± 400  1100 ± 400  adjusted as necessary) Inlet air temperature, ° C. 56 ± 15 56 ± 15 56 ± 15 To be adjusted 20 ± 10 Atomization air pressure, bar   3 ± 0.5   3 ± 0.5   3 ± 0.5   1 ± 0.2   1 ± 0.2 Inlet dew point, ° C. 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 Product temperature, ° C. 36 ± 3  37.5 ± 3.5  37.5 ± 3.5  41 ± 4  30 ± 1  Spraying rate, g/min (to be adjusted N/A 150-400 150-350 N/A N/A as necessary) Time, min. 5-10 N/A N/A 5 N/A

TABLE 13 Production of Methylphenidate IR (MPH IR distal) Beads coated with Sodium Alginate Recommended Parameters Process Parameters Sodium Coating MPH IR distal beads Alginate with sodium alginate layer Preheating coating Drying Cooling Amount of purified water used (Kg) N/A N/A N/A N/A Inlet air volume, cmh (to be 1100 ± 400  1400 ± 400  1100 ± 400  1100 ± 400  adjusted as necessary) Inlet air temperature, ° C. 70 ± 15 70 ± 15 To be adjusted 20 ± 10 Atomization air pressure, bar   3 ± 0.5   3 ± 0.5   1 ± 0.2   1 ± 0.2 Inlet dew point, ° C. 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 8 ± 4 Product temperature, ° C. 52 ± 5  52 ± 5  41 ± 4  30 ± 1  Spraying rate, g/min (to be adjusted N/A 50-300 N/A N/A as necessary) Time, min. 5-10 N/A 5 N/A

TABLE 14 Dissolution Parameters (Example 10) Equipment Conditions Apparatus Basket, USP apparatus 1 Speed 100 rpm Bath temperature: 37° C. Dissolution media 900 ml 0%, 5%, 20%, 35% or 40% ethanol v/v in 0.1N HCl Sampling time points 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 minutes

TABLE 15 Composition of the dosage form (Formulation I 80:20) MPH IR distal: Quantity per capsule (mg) per Strength (label claim) approx: Ingredient 25 mg 30 mg 35 mg 45 mg 55 mg 70 mg 85 mg 100 mg % Methylphenidate HCl, USP 25 30 35 45 55 70 85 100 12.3 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 107.1 128.5 150.0 192.8 235.7 299.9 364.2 428.5 52.7 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006 7.9 9.5 11.1 14.3 17.4 22.2 27.0 31.7 3.9 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer 21.3 25.6 29.9 38.4 47.0 59.8 72.6 85.4 10.5 dispersion, Type B, 30% dispersion (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 3.3 3.9 4.6 5.9 7.2 9.1 11.1 13.0 1.6 Glyceryl monostearate emulsion 5.5 6.6 7.7 9.9 12.1 15.4 18.7 22.0 2.7 (Plasacryl T20), HS, solids Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.8 2.2 2.8 3.5 4.1 0.5 Eudragit FS30D, HS, solids 32.1 38.5 45.0 57.8 70.7 89.9 109.2 128.5 15.8 TOTAL (approx.) 203 244 285 366 447 569 691 813 100

TABLE 16 Composition of the dosage form (Formulation J 80:20) MPH IR distal: Quantity per capsule (mg) per Strength (label claim) approx: 25 30 35 45 55 70 85 100 Ingredient mg mg mg mg mg mg mg mg % Methylphenidate HCl, USP 25 30 35 45 55 70 85 100 18.4 Sugar spheres 14/18 mesh, USP/NF 60.8 72.9 84.9 109.5 133.7 169.9 206.5 243.1 44.7 Opadry Clear YS-1-7006 8.0 9.6 11.2 14.5 17.6 22.4 27.3 32.2 5.9 Ammonio methacrylate copolymer dispersion, Type B, 30% dispersion 14.0 16.8 19.6 25.2 30.8 39.1 47.6 55.55 10.3 (Eudragit RS30D Solids), NF Triethyl Citrate, USP/NF 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.9 4.8 6.1 7.4 8.61 1.6 Glyceryl monostearate emulsion 3.5 4.3 4.9 6.4 7.8 9.9 12.0 14.1 2.6 (Plasacryl T20), HS, solids Silicon dioxide, (Syloid 244FP), NF 1.1 1.3 1.5 2.0 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.52 0.8 Eudragit FS30D, HS, solids 21.2 25.4 29.6 38.2 46.6 59.3 72.1 84.61 15.6 TOTAL (approx.) 136 163 190 245 299 380 462 543 100 

What is claimed:
 1. A method of treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an oral solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of coated beads, wherein each coated bead comprises: a) a granule; b) a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising a first amount of methylphenidate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; c) an inner controlled release coating coated over the first layer and an outer delayed release coating coated over the inner controlled release coating; and d) an immediate release layer comprising a second amount of methylphenidate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, coated over the outer delayed release coating, the immediate release layer providing immediate release of the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: the plurality of the coated beads has the following in vitro methylphenidate dissolution profile: Time (hours) Methylphenidate (% dissolved) 1 NLT 15% 4 18-38% 8 35-55% 12 68-98    16 NLT 68   

when tested according to the USP paddle method, 100 rpm, at 37° C.; (i) starting with 900 ml simulated gastric fluid for 2 hours, (ii) followed by 900 ml phosphate buffer pH 6.0 for 4 hours, and (iii) for the 7th hour onwards, 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 7.4; USP <711> Acceptance Table 2; and wherein the oral solid pharmaceutical composition provides, in a fed state, an in vivo methylphenidate T_(max0-4) of about 3 hours and a methylphenidate T_(max8-16) of about 13.5 hours.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the oral solid pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a capsule comprising the plurality of coated beads.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner controlled release coating is selected from the group consisting of an ethylcellulose polymer, a cellulose ether, a polyethylene oxide, a polyvinyl alcohol derivate, a methacrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, a polyglycolic acid, a polylactic acid, a polycaprolactone, a poly(n-hydroxybutyrate), a polyamino acid, a poly(amide-enamine), a polyester, an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), a poly (acrylic acid) (PAA), a poly (methacrylic acid) (PMAA), and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner controlled release coating comprises ammonio methacrylate copolymer, Type B USP/NF.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner controlled release coating is present in an amount of about 3% to about 16% by weight, of the coated bead.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the inner controlled release coating is present in an amount of about 10.0% to about 10.7% by weight, of the coated bead.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer delayed release coating comprises poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer delayed release coating is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 20% by weight, of the coated bead.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the outer delayed release coating is present in an amount of from about 15.0% to about 16.0% by weight, of the coated bead.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together, provide a total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the coated bead, and wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises from about 70% to about 99% by weight of the total amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the coated bead.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises from about 78% to about 82% by weight of the total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises about 80% by weight of the total amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises about 20% by weight of the total amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner controlled release coating is present in an amount of about 3% to about 16% by weight, of the coated bead, and wherein the outer delayed release coating is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 20% by weight, of the coated bead.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner controlled release coating is present in an amount of about 10.0% to about 10.7% by weight of the coated bead, and wherein the outer delayed release coating is present in an amount of from about 15.0% to about 16.0% by weight, of the coated bead.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the granule is selected from the group consisting of: a sugar sphere, a microcrystalline cellulose granule, a silica granule, a starch granule, a lactose granule, a calcium carbonate granule, and a mannitol-polyvinylpyrrolidone granule.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the dosage form comprises 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 45 mg, 55 mg, 70 mg, 85 mg, or 100 mg of methylphenidate HCl.
 17. A method of treating ADHD in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an oral solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of coated beads, wherein each coated bead comprises: a) a core comprising a first amount of methylphenidate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; b) an inner controlled release coating coated over the core and an outer delayed release coating coated over the inner controlled release coating; and c) an immediate release layer comprising a second amount of methylphenidate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, coated over the outer delayed release coating, the immediate release layer providing immediate release of the second amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the plurality of coated beads has the following in vitro methylphenidate dissolution profile: Time (hours) Methylphenidate (% dissolved) 1 NLT 15% 4 18-38% 8 35-55% 12 68-98    16 NLT 68   

when tested according to the USP paddle method, 100 rpm, at 37° C.; (i) starting with 900 ml simulated gastric fluid for 2 hours, (ii) followed by 900 ml phosphate buffer pH 6.0 for 4 hours, and (iii) for the 7th hour onwards, 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 7.4; USP<711> Acceptance Table 2; and wherein the oral solid pharmaceutical composition provides, in a fed state, an in vivo methylphenidate T_(max0-4) of about 3 hours and a methylphenidate T_(max8-16) of about 13.5 hours.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the inner controlled release coating comprises ammonio methacrylate copolymer, Type B USP/NF.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the inner controlled release coating is present in an amount of about 3% to about 16% by weight, of the coated bead.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the outer delayed release coating is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 20% by weight, of the coated bead.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together, provide a total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the coated bead, and wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises from about 70% to about 99% by weight of the total amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the coated bead.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises from about 78% to about 82% by weight of the total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises about 80% by weight of the total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises about 20% by weight of the total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 24. A method of treating ADHD in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an oral solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of coated beads, wherein each coated bead comprises: (a) a granule; (b) a first layer coated over the granule, the first layer comprising a first amount of methylphenidate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (c) an inner controlled release coating coated over the first layer and an outer delayed release coating coated over the inner controlled release coating, wherein the inner controlled release coating is present in an amount of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the coated bead and wherein the outer delayed release coating is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 20% by weight of the coated bead; and (d) an immediate release layer comprising a second amount of methylphenidate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, coated over the outer delayed release coating, the immediate release layer providing immediate release of the second amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together, provide a total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in each coated bead, and wherein the first amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises about 80% by weight of the total amount of the methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the second amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises about 20% by weight of the total amount of methylphenidate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in each bead; wherein the plurality of coated beads has the following in vitro methylphenidate dissolution profile: Time (hours) Methylphenidate (% dissolved) 1 NLT 15% 4 18-38% 8 35-55% 12 68-98    16 NLT 68   

when tested according to the USP paddle method, 100 rpm, at 37° C.; (i) starting with 900 ml simulated gastric fluid for 2 hours, (ii) followed by 900 ml phosphate buffer pH 6.0 for 4 hours, and (iii) for the 7th hour onwards, 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 7.4; USP<711> Acceptance Table 2; and wherein the oral solid pharmaceutical composition provides, in a fed state, an in vivo methylphenidate T_(max0-4) of about 3 hours and a methylphenidate T_(max8-16) of about 13.5 hours.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the inner controlled release coating comprises ammonio methacrylate copolymer, Type B USP/NF.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the outer delayed release coating is poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 and the inner controlled release coating is ammonio methacrylate copolymer, Type B USP/NF.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the granule is selected from the group consisting of: a sugar sphere, a microcrystalline cellulose granule, a silica granule, a starch granule, a lactose granule, a calcium carbonate granule, and a mannitol-polyvinylpyrrolidone granule.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of coated beads provide 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 45 mg, 55 mg, 70 mg, 85 mg, or 100 mg of methylphenidate HCl. 